(A report from the Standing Committee.)

1. Synod resolution 46/94 reads -

"Synod requests the Standing Committee to review the Presentation and Exchange Ordinance so as to reflect a wider consultation process in the selection and appointment of clergy to parishes in this Diocese."

2. The following Committee was appointed to conduct the review: the Rev A.M. Blanch, Mr G.A. Collins, Mr R. Tong, the Rev D.S. West and Archdeacon G.R. Huard (Convenor).

3. The Committee discussed the intention of the resolution with the mover and identified 2 stages in the nominating process where wider consultation should be encouraged. The first was before the search process itself got under-way at the first meeting or conference of the Presentation Board. The second was just before the end of the process after a particular minister had received the offer of a parish from the Archbishop.

4. On both these occasions, there is value in a wider involvement of the churchwardens and parish council. It was noted that members from these two groups were not necessarily elected as parish representatives on the Presentation Board, but constituted the groups in the parish with which any new minister would have to work very closely. It was also clear to the Committee that the actual workings of the Presentation Board were unclear to some clergy, particularly those recently ordained, and this has led to uncertainty and lack of understanding.

5. The Committee made the following recommendations, which are now reported to the Synod.

(a) That the information sheet referred to in clause 16(b) of the Presentation and Exchange Ordinance be amended to include the assurance of the churchwardens that the form has been completed in consultation with the parish council and the parish representatives.

(b) That the information sheet referred to in clause 16(b) also be amended to include an assessment of the patterns, priorities and future directions of the parish, such assessment to be decided at the consultation between churchwardens, parish council and parish representatives mentioned in (2) above.

(c) That Regional Bishops and Archdeacons actively encourage Ministers to whom the Archbishop has offered a parish to consult widely with churchwardens and parish council of the parish offered before making a decision about the Archbishop's offer.

(d) That Regional Bishops and Archdeacons consider organising an information session on the workings of the Presentation and Exchange Ordinance with some input from an experienced lay parish representative.

(e) That the Director of Continuing Education for Ministers be encouraged to have a session with newly ordained ministers on the workings of the Presentation and Exchange Ordinance with some input from an experienced lay parish representative.

(f) That the Registrar include in his annual memorandum on Annual Vestry Meetings an encouragement to minister to emphasise the importance of the elections of parish representatives.

For and on behalf of the Standing Committee

GEOFFREY HUARD
Archdeacon of Georges River

26 June 1995